New research into the effect of antacids on the development of food allergies has recently been presented in a paper published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2008;121:1301-8.), currently available free on-line at www.jacionline.org/current

Acid-suppression medications are frequently used in the treatment of dyspeptic disorders, yet by increasing the gastric pH, they interfere substantially with the digestive function of the stomach. Research has shown that this increases the risk of food allergy induction. Gastric digestion substantially decreases the potential of food proteins to bind IgE, which increases the threshold dose of allergens required to elicit symptoms in patients with food allergy. Thus, antiulcer agents that interfere with the digestion of protein have a major effect on the sensitization and effector phase of food allergy.